WEBVTT 00:00:00.160 --> 00:00:05.339 Great. Thank you, Lisa, for reading that. And thank you, God, for giving that, right? 00:00:06.339 --> 00:00:11.080 This is God's Word. And there's a reason that He's given that to us this morning. 00:00:11.919 --> 00:00:18.719 Great to be with you. Thank you for allowing us to come and just share and worship with you again this morning. 00:00:18.960 --> 00:00:25.179 So Acts chapter 20, if you have a Bible and you haven't turned there already, let's go to Acts chapter 20. 00:00:25.179 --> 00:00:32.079 And just an absolutely incredible passage, really, from a number of different points of view. 00:00:32.299 --> 00:00:37.740 You'll obviously, I'm stepping into this with you today, but you've been in the flow, right? 00:00:38.119 --> 00:00:43.579 You look like you're in the flow. You look like the flow has stopped. I'm not quite sure yet. 00:00:44.100 --> 00:00:48.920 But you guys have been in the flow. I assume you've been working your way through the book of Acts. 00:00:49.620 --> 00:00:53.640 Yeah? You've been going through Acts. My goodness, what a book, isn't it? 00:00:53.640 --> 00:01:01.120 What a book. This is the, this is, in one sense, it's the culmination of many things, isn't it? 00:01:01.620 --> 00:01:05.680 Acts is the culmination. I mean, you're, you're, we're in the, we're in the new covenant now. 00:01:05.780 --> 00:01:11.740 So it's the culmination of thousands of years. So in one sense, it's the culmination. 00:01:11.739 --> 00:01:19.919 In another sense, Acts is what? It's the beginning, isn't it? We look back, we, we who are the church, we who are part of the body of Christ, 00:01:20.039 --> 00:01:27.759 we who are entered into now this, this, just this incredible reality of, of, of the new covenant work of Christ. 00:01:27.919 --> 00:01:33.140 We look back on this and we say, well, the early church, we would call this, right? 00:01:33.140 --> 00:01:38.719 This is the early church or, you know, the beginning of the church. 00:01:39.040 --> 00:01:42.219 And so you've got these two kind of amazing things going on here. 00:01:42.299 --> 00:01:51.040 You've got the culmination because this is post, this is post crucifixion, resurrection, ascension, right? 00:01:51.140 --> 00:01:55.939 So now Jesus is seated at the right hand of the father, but the work in one sense. 00:01:55.939 --> 00:02:02.159 So here you go again, the work in one sense, you can say is finished, right? 00:02:02.819 --> 00:02:06.420 Jesus hung on the cross and he said, it is fit. Thank you. 00:02:07.799 --> 00:02:09.979 I'll find out your name later on and shake your hand. 00:02:10.539 --> 00:02:12.379 Okay. It is finished. 00:02:13.199 --> 00:02:20.079 But in another sense, now the Lord has ascended into heaven and what for us, it's beginning work is beginning. 00:02:20.080 --> 00:02:25.000 So again, you just have this, this incredible reality of the work of, of Christ. 00:02:25.160 --> 00:02:28.960 The, the, the, the atoning work has been, has been completed. 00:02:29.080 --> 00:02:31.000 The reconciling work has been done. 00:02:31.080 --> 00:02:35.880 And yet we go forth to the world with a message of reconciliation, right? 00:02:35.960 --> 00:02:39.720 And so this is just, this, this transitional kind of time. 00:02:39.820 --> 00:02:41.100 It's a transitional book. 00:02:41.140 --> 00:02:42.500 It's old covenant, new covenant. 00:02:42.660 --> 00:02:47.160 It's, it's Christ ascended church marching on kind of a thing. 00:02:47.160 --> 00:02:49.780 So, so we're a part of this now. 00:02:49.780 --> 00:02:56.599 This is, we're a couple of thousand years on, but we're a part, we're still involved in this work that God is doing. 00:02:56.819 --> 00:03:02.539 So, so I'm sure you are excited, right? 00:03:02.580 --> 00:03:03.960 I'm sure you are excited. 00:03:05.139 --> 00:03:11.219 Just, just, just send your, your face a wee email so that, so I can get encouraged. 00:03:11.460 --> 00:03:11.699 Okay. 00:03:11.800 --> 00:03:12.500 So here we go. 00:03:12.620 --> 00:03:13.699 Acts chapter 20. 00:03:13.780 --> 00:03:16.900 That's a, just a little bit of a part, just setting the scene a bit. 00:03:16.900 --> 00:03:25.580 You already, you know, this, you've been working your way through, um, Acts and, and, and, you know, Acts finishes, Acts 28. 00:03:25.759 --> 00:03:31.920 And then, you know, you've got this, this organization of, of churches called Acts 29, you know, which is really us. 00:03:31.920 --> 00:03:33.740 Acts 29 and following. 00:03:33.920 --> 00:03:36.200 And so this is, it's all about Paul. 00:03:36.199 --> 00:03:38.419 Paul, in one sense, right? 00:03:38.479 --> 00:03:41.219 This is Paul where, where, where, where it's a historical account. 00:03:41.899 --> 00:03:48.239 And we're looking at this man whose life was changed, just dramatically changed by the power of God. 00:03:48.359 --> 00:03:52.299 And, and, and, and, and, you know, just, just, just stopped him dead in his tracks. 00:03:52.299 --> 00:03:53.219 Literally did that. 00:03:53.839 --> 00:03:57.000 Um, and his life has been changed and, and the Lord has used him mightily. 00:03:57.060 --> 00:03:57.579 He's gone. 00:03:57.639 --> 00:03:58.139 He's gone. 00:03:58.259 --> 00:03:58.939 Paul's gone. 00:03:58.939 --> 00:04:00.960 Great man. 00:04:01.680 --> 00:04:03.219 Great, great, great life. 00:04:03.800 --> 00:04:06.939 He's left a, just a, a great testimony, but he's gone. 00:04:07.560 --> 00:04:08.419 And we're here now. 00:04:08.560 --> 00:04:10.400 So that's the, that's the vibe. 00:04:10.639 --> 00:04:10.900 Okay. 00:04:11.020 --> 00:04:12.180 You just feel it. 00:04:12.680 --> 00:04:13.280 What'd you feel? 00:04:13.319 --> 00:04:13.919 Are you feeling it? 00:04:14.340 --> 00:04:14.859 Feel it. 00:04:14.919 --> 00:04:15.439 That's the vibe. 00:04:15.539 --> 00:04:16.220 Paul's gone. 00:04:16.319 --> 00:04:17.899 We're reading about his life. 00:04:18.079 --> 00:04:20.439 So this is about Paul, but it's not just about Paul. 00:04:20.500 --> 00:04:21.220 It's about us too. 00:04:21.279 --> 00:04:21.899 Is that not fair? 00:04:22.439 --> 00:04:25.000 We're not just reading this to get a history lesson this morning. 00:04:25.120 --> 00:04:27.060 We're reading this because this is about us. 00:04:27.060 --> 00:04:29.139 So here we are 2022. 00:04:29.459 --> 00:04:30.920 We're the church guys, right? 00:04:31.579 --> 00:04:32.680 We're the church now. 00:04:32.860 --> 00:04:35.000 Paul and these people were the church. 00:04:35.100 --> 00:04:36.180 They were the church. 00:04:36.519 --> 00:04:37.980 And we thank God for them. 00:04:38.019 --> 00:04:43.620 And all those who've gone before us, we're going to sing here a song concluding here, um, 00:04:43.699 --> 00:04:47.959 in, in, in just a few minutes about the church taking on the baton and running. 00:04:48.180 --> 00:04:49.199 Paul was the church. 00:04:49.279 --> 00:04:51.360 Now we're the church and it will be gone. 00:04:53.079 --> 00:04:54.040 We'll be gone. 00:04:54.040 --> 00:04:57.540 And then the church will in God's providence. 00:04:57.720 --> 00:05:01.319 And if Christ, the last Christ returns to take us all home, the church will go on. 00:05:01.360 --> 00:05:02.920 So that's the, that's the vibe. 00:05:03.040 --> 00:05:03.680 So feel it. 00:05:03.760 --> 00:05:05.140 Be encouraged by that. 00:05:05.220 --> 00:05:07.020 This is, this is for our feeding. 00:05:07.160 --> 00:05:08.260 This is for encouragement. 00:05:08.600 --> 00:05:11.220 Encourage one another all the more as you see the day drawing near. 00:05:11.420 --> 00:05:12.580 So be encouraged. 00:05:12.680 --> 00:05:15.040 And let's see what we can get from this this morning. 00:05:15.120 --> 00:05:15.280 Okay. 00:05:15.300 --> 00:05:20.060 You've heard of, you've heard, I'm sure of, of last will and Testament, right? 00:05:20.060 --> 00:05:21.540 You've heard of last will and Testament. 00:05:21.540 --> 00:05:29.620 This is more in a sense, last words and testimony this morning from the apostle Paul, 00:05:29.740 --> 00:05:37.779 who is coming now to the end of, of probably what's been about 25 years of, of, of, of, 00:05:37.779 --> 00:05:42.739 of astounding church planting, um, and missionary work. 00:05:42.739 --> 00:05:50.559 And, and, uh, he's probably over those 25 years, you know, um, no trains, no planes, no automobiles, 00:05:50.639 --> 00:05:50.879 right? 00:05:51.479 --> 00:05:55.559 That's the, the carts and horses and, and everything. 00:05:55.559 --> 00:06:02.059 But, um, amazingly, probably over those 25 years, if, if you just trace his missionary journey mileage, 00:06:02.060 --> 00:06:10.560 he's probably done round about, um, 10,000 miles or so, mostly by foot, mostly on foot. 00:06:11.040 --> 00:06:18.180 Um, he's traveled, um, just listen, really just as, as, as, as, as a, as a way of introducing this, 00:06:18.459 --> 00:06:20.139 because this is where he's coming to now. 00:06:20.180 --> 00:06:22.279 He's, he's kind of saying goodbye, isn't he? 00:06:23.220 --> 00:06:24.240 He's kind of saying goodbye. 00:06:24.319 --> 00:06:27.319 He's not saying goodbye to everyone because he still has a few more years to live, 00:06:27.399 --> 00:06:29.279 but he is saying goodbye to these dear people. 00:06:29.279 --> 00:06:31.480 And it's right at the end now of his missionary work. 00:06:31.480 --> 00:06:33.759 He's coming to the end of that season of his life. 00:06:34.939 --> 00:06:36.540 We're all in different seasons of life. 00:06:36.560 --> 00:06:38.200 He's coming to the end of that season of his life. 00:06:38.259 --> 00:06:41.160 And he, he kind of not here, but he looks back in second Corinthians. 00:06:41.160 --> 00:06:46.000 He looks back and he describes these 10,000 miles in these 25 years. 00:06:46.000 --> 00:06:48.000 And, and, and here's how he describes it. 00:06:48.000 --> 00:06:49.180 He says, I've been beaten. 00:06:50.660 --> 00:06:54.879 You know, we come back from a holiday and we're like, well, I've been, you know, sunburned. 00:06:56.000 --> 00:07:00.120 I've been beaten times without number, often in dangers of death. 00:07:00.120 --> 00:07:03.259 Five times I received from the Jews, 39 lashes. 00:07:03.399 --> 00:07:05.120 Three times I was beaten with rods. 00:07:05.199 --> 00:07:06.139 Once I was stoned. 00:07:06.680 --> 00:07:08.000 Three times I was shipwrecked. 00:07:08.079 --> 00:07:09.680 A night in a, and this is Corinthians. 00:07:09.920 --> 00:07:11.459 This is in the middle of his ministry. 00:07:11.899 --> 00:07:13.959 So there's more that comes even after, after this. 00:07:14.019 --> 00:07:15.139 Three times I was shipwrecked. 00:07:15.259 --> 00:07:16.819 Night in a day, adrift at sea. 00:07:16.819 --> 00:07:28.199 I've been on frequent journeys in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from countrymen, dangers from Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers at sea, dangers among false brethren. 00:07:28.459 --> 00:07:34.439 I've been in labor and hardship through many sleepless nights, hunger and thirst without food and cold and exposure. 00:07:34.439 --> 00:07:38.279 And then, really interesting, I've always found this really interesting at this point. 00:07:38.620 --> 00:07:44.120 Almost as if to just casually dismiss all that as minor irritation. 00:07:45.339 --> 00:07:47.720 He says, never mind all that physical stuff. 00:07:47.800 --> 00:07:54.079 He says, apart from such external things, I have had the daily pressure on me. 00:07:54.079 --> 00:07:58.259 Of concern for all the churches. 00:07:58.500 --> 00:08:01.599 Listen, that's, that's, if he was here today, that would be for us. 00:08:02.180 --> 00:08:03.399 He'd be saying that about us. 00:08:03.939 --> 00:08:07.479 Never mind, yeah, I've been whipped and I've been beaten and you want to see my scars, I'll show you all my scars. 00:08:07.659 --> 00:08:09.899 But almost like, that's not really it. 00:08:11.539 --> 00:08:13.079 Because that's all by and by. 00:08:13.259 --> 00:08:15.379 That's, you know, that's life in a broken world. 00:08:15.479 --> 00:08:19.379 But the concern, the pressure that I carry for the churches. 00:08:19.519 --> 00:08:20.319 Can you see his heart? 00:08:20.379 --> 00:08:21.779 You feel his heart here. 00:08:21.779 --> 00:08:24.239 Who is weak, he says, without me being weak? 00:08:24.399 --> 00:08:26.779 Who's led into sin without my intense concern? 00:08:27.479 --> 00:08:30.000 Listen, no, no, no wonder we remember this guy. 00:08:30.739 --> 00:08:31.079 Right? 00:08:31.739 --> 00:08:32.379 What a guy. 00:08:33.319 --> 00:08:36.199 And so here he is now and he's pretty much at the end of his missionary career. 00:08:36.399 --> 00:08:39.299 And he's just been back for one final tour of duty. 00:08:39.419 --> 00:08:41.100 We call it his third missionary journey. 00:08:41.199 --> 00:08:47.860 One final tour of duty through the churches of Asia Minor and Greece. 00:08:47.959 --> 00:08:51.100 He's been to Galatia and Phrygia and Ephesus and Macedonia, Greece, Troas. 00:08:51.100 --> 00:08:57.980 And now he's stopped at a place called Miletus or Meletus. 00:08:58.200 --> 00:09:00.899 I'm not quite sure, Lisa, which one is right. 00:09:00.980 --> 00:09:01.879 You're probably right. 00:09:01.920 --> 00:09:02.440 And I'm wrong. 00:09:02.519 --> 00:09:03.600 I've always called it Miletus. 00:09:03.779 --> 00:09:11.060 But anyways, but this place called Miletus down on the coast, southern west tip of Asia Minor, 00:09:11.159 --> 00:09:13.100 as it was then Turkey now. 00:09:13.259 --> 00:09:16.660 And he's stopped now in Miletus, believe it or not, for an elders meeting. 00:09:16.659 --> 00:09:17.059 Right? 00:09:18.919 --> 00:09:20.000 He's stopped for this. 00:09:20.279 --> 00:09:23.039 So if dare you ever think elders meetings aren't important. 00:09:24.539 --> 00:09:24.759 Okay? 00:09:25.419 --> 00:09:30.179 He stopped for the end of the whole deal and he stopped for an elders meeting. 00:09:31.699 --> 00:09:35.459 This is like a text that should be read at the beginning of every elders meeting, isn't it? 00:09:35.719 --> 00:09:37.879 To remind us how important this stuff is. 00:09:39.279 --> 00:09:40.639 Miletus about 63. 00:09:41.159 --> 00:09:42.079 There is on the map. 00:09:42.080 --> 00:09:44.920 It's about 63 miles or so south of Ephesus. 00:09:45.900 --> 00:09:48.680 And here's the culmination of almost 25 years of ministry. 00:09:49.180 --> 00:09:49.420 All right? 00:09:49.440 --> 00:09:51.460 And here are just some of his final words. 00:09:51.560 --> 00:09:54.040 So this is what we've got that Luke's recorded for us here. 00:09:54.040 --> 00:09:57.000 Just some of his final words. 00:09:57.400 --> 00:10:00.139 And I just want to share with you just what I get from this. 00:10:01.060 --> 00:10:01.360 Right? 00:10:01.860 --> 00:10:03.420 No fancy stuff. 00:10:03.500 --> 00:10:04.060 No shenanigans. 00:10:04.180 --> 00:10:06.160 Just what do we get from this? 00:10:06.159 --> 00:10:11.179 What can we carry on from this now as the church that's here now? 00:10:11.399 --> 00:10:12.019 Paul's gone. 00:10:12.100 --> 00:10:12.600 He's gone. 00:10:13.240 --> 00:10:16.379 These guys that he's written to and spoken to, they're gone. 00:10:17.620 --> 00:10:22.579 They're not saying anything to anybody other than the angels and I guess the Lord in praise right now. 00:10:22.620 --> 00:10:23.259 But they're gone. 00:10:23.539 --> 00:10:24.899 They're not reaching Edinburgh. 00:10:26.240 --> 00:10:27.620 God's got us here to do that. 00:10:27.759 --> 00:10:27.959 Amen? 00:10:29.000 --> 00:10:29.559 You with it? 00:10:30.480 --> 00:10:30.959 Okay. 00:10:31.079 --> 00:10:31.600 We'll get there. 00:10:31.839 --> 00:10:33.439 You'll get there. 00:10:33.440 --> 00:10:35.840 So just a couple of things that we can get from this. 00:10:36.080 --> 00:10:36.900 And there's loads. 00:10:37.000 --> 00:10:37.500 There's loads and loads. 00:10:37.560 --> 00:10:39.320 I'm just going to give you five quick things here. 00:10:39.420 --> 00:10:42.440 There could probably be 50 that you could take out of this. 00:10:42.520 --> 00:10:46.920 Just last words and testimony of the Apostle Paul to these people here. 00:10:46.980 --> 00:10:47.980 Just five quick things here. 00:10:48.060 --> 00:10:50.600 Number one, what are some of the things Paul's saying here? 00:10:50.660 --> 00:10:55.100 Number one, Paul says, I believe, redeem the time that God's given you. 00:10:55.920 --> 00:10:57.160 Did you get that out of this? 00:10:57.860 --> 00:10:59.560 Redeem the time that God's... 00:10:59.560 --> 00:11:03.020 Make the most of what you have now while you have it. 00:11:03.980 --> 00:11:06.320 Redeem the time that God has given you. 00:11:06.400 --> 00:11:08.380 Can you feel his pulse on this? 00:11:08.520 --> 00:11:10.560 Paul says in Ephesians 5.15, he says, 00:11:10.640 --> 00:11:14.920 Be careful how you walk, not as unwise people, but as wise, 00:11:16.020 --> 00:11:18.840 making the most of your time. 00:11:20.320 --> 00:11:22.700 Because the days are evil. 00:11:23.500 --> 00:11:25.640 And my goodness, the days are evil, aren't they? 00:11:26.600 --> 00:11:27.040 Aren't they? 00:11:27.740 --> 00:11:28.680 I mean, what about today? 00:11:29.080 --> 00:11:29.640 Where are we? 00:11:30.140 --> 00:11:32.860 Sarah and I today just walk in the dog. 00:11:33.440 --> 00:11:38.540 And we were reminded, just in an encounter that we had with some folks that we've known for years, 00:11:38.780 --> 00:11:46.680 some neighbors, we were reminded how incredibly time has changed and how our culture is changing. 00:11:46.679 --> 00:11:50.399 And my goodness, the days are evil. 00:11:50.559 --> 00:11:51.339 Is that not fair? 00:11:51.799 --> 00:11:52.679 The days are evil. 00:11:52.779 --> 00:11:55.500 I mean, people are calling good evil. 00:11:56.199 --> 00:11:58.620 And they're calling evil good. 00:11:58.779 --> 00:11:59.319 Is that not right? 00:11:59.719 --> 00:12:02.679 We met this couple and we'll get into all of it with it. 00:12:02.679 --> 00:12:06.219 But basically, just in a tiny short exchange of time, 00:12:06.699 --> 00:12:08.659 they, right in front of our face, 00:12:08.979 --> 00:12:09.899 called evil good. 00:12:11.359 --> 00:12:13.039 Now, we had to come to church. 00:12:13.399 --> 00:12:14.439 We were almost late already. 00:12:14.519 --> 00:12:17.799 So we didn't quite have the kind of time that maybe we could have taken 00:12:17.799 --> 00:12:21.139 to sit down with them and pull out a little couple of chairs 00:12:21.139 --> 00:12:29.220 and have a cup of tea and talk to them about why what they thought was now becoming a normal thing for them 00:12:29.220 --> 00:12:31.120 was actually evil and they were calling it good. 00:12:31.199 --> 00:12:31.439 You hear me? 00:12:31.639 --> 00:12:33.480 You guys are seeing this happening all over the place. 00:12:33.539 --> 00:12:34.899 You're working with people like this. 00:12:35.120 --> 00:12:36.519 You're living around people like this. 00:12:36.600 --> 00:12:37.679 People like this are in your family. 00:12:37.819 --> 00:12:39.819 And the whole deal is changing, isn't it? 00:12:40.699 --> 00:12:42.819 We're calling evil good and good evil. 00:12:42.879 --> 00:12:44.360 And it's all over the place right now. 00:12:44.360 --> 00:12:50.159 One of our guys from Corubbers this past week was speaking before the Equalities Commission. 00:12:50.360 --> 00:12:52.919 He works for EA, Evangelical Alliance. 00:12:53.019 --> 00:12:53.519 And he was speaking. 00:12:53.620 --> 00:13:01.360 He was one of the contributors to a panel dealing with the Gender Recognition Act. 00:13:01.399 --> 00:13:03.779 And he was speaking to the Equalities Commission. 00:13:04.940 --> 00:13:10.940 And I want to tell you, man, crazy, absolutely crazy just looking at that. 00:13:11.639 --> 00:13:13.180 And I think it was him. 00:13:13.179 --> 00:13:21.539 At the time, it was this guy who works for EA and represented from the Catholic Church on one side. 00:13:21.620 --> 00:13:26.199 And on the other side was the Humanist Society and the Church of Scotland. 00:13:26.539 --> 00:13:28.439 So do with that as you may. 00:13:29.059 --> 00:13:29.339 All right. 00:13:29.459 --> 00:13:34.279 But I'll not go any further because I'm American and you're Scottish and I got to watch myself. 00:13:35.379 --> 00:13:35.779 But that's how. 00:13:35.879 --> 00:13:38.059 So listen, crazy what people think is normal. 00:13:38.159 --> 00:13:39.019 That's the point, right? 00:13:39.339 --> 00:13:40.519 Make the most of the time. 00:13:40.519 --> 00:13:42.919 My goodness, folks, times are changing, aren't they? 00:13:43.179 --> 00:13:46.359 In this country right now, times are changing. 00:13:46.599 --> 00:13:48.699 Churches are departing from the truth, guys. 00:13:49.239 --> 00:13:50.759 Churches are departing from the truth. 00:13:51.419 --> 00:13:53.500 We can be influenced if we're not ready. 00:13:53.559 --> 00:13:54.359 We'll get to that in a minute. 00:13:54.539 --> 00:13:55.859 But redeem the time. 00:13:56.819 --> 00:13:57.639 Redeem the time. 00:13:57.859 --> 00:13:58.599 My goodness. 00:13:59.059 --> 00:14:01.319 People are calling truth lies and lies truth. 00:14:01.379 --> 00:14:03.679 And here we are as ambassadors for Christ. 00:14:03.679 --> 00:14:03.979 Amen. 00:14:05.739 --> 00:14:06.599 Okay, we'll get there. 00:14:07.939 --> 00:14:10.179 Here we are as ambassadors for Christ. 00:14:10.599 --> 00:14:11.859 One life. 00:14:13.839 --> 00:14:14.919 That's all we have. 00:14:16.299 --> 00:14:18.739 Let's make the most of it for Jesus. 00:14:19.039 --> 00:14:24.000 Paul in 1 Timothy 3.15 called the church, the church, us. 00:14:24.179 --> 00:14:26.439 He called it the pillar in support of the truth, didn't he? 00:14:26.699 --> 00:14:27.299 That's us. 00:14:27.740 --> 00:14:28.279 It's us. 00:14:28.699 --> 00:14:31.099 And I think he's trying to remind them of this here. 00:14:31.199 --> 00:14:31.839 Make the most of that. 00:14:31.840 --> 00:14:32.720 So watch. 00:14:32.820 --> 00:14:33.600 Where are you getting this from, Wayne? 00:14:33.780 --> 00:14:34.540 Verse 19. 00:14:34.940 --> 00:14:35.420 Verse 19. 00:14:35.460 --> 00:14:35.899 Look what he says. 00:14:35.940 --> 00:14:36.480 Verse 19. 00:14:36.620 --> 00:14:38.879 You know, he says, gathers all these elders together. 00:14:39.180 --> 00:14:42.259 You know from the first day I came to Asia. 00:14:42.340 --> 00:14:42.920 You see that? 00:14:43.440 --> 00:14:46.100 The first day I came, he says, I what? 00:14:47.620 --> 00:14:47.940 I what? 00:14:48.040 --> 00:14:48.600 Serve the Lord. 00:14:48.860 --> 00:14:50.280 From the first day I came. 00:14:50.660 --> 00:14:53.840 And he could have said, from the time I left where I was, 00:14:53.879 --> 00:14:54.860 I was serving the Lord. 00:14:54.860 --> 00:14:58.500 And then I came to this place and I'm serving the Lord. 00:14:59.759 --> 00:15:03.700 We, you know, I don't know what you get. 00:15:03.800 --> 00:15:10.580 You probably have, you know, a world mission view and wanting to send people far and wide. 00:15:10.680 --> 00:15:13.539 Here we go this morning, Singapore for, you know, and whatever. 00:15:14.159 --> 00:15:16.539 And I'm not quite sure how you do with all that. 00:15:16.539 --> 00:15:23.120 But we like to see people serving here before we send them off to serve in another, you know, part of the world. 00:15:23.719 --> 00:15:26.579 Rather than just kind of doing whatever here and doing nothing here. 00:15:26.620 --> 00:15:28.559 And oh, I'm just going to go across the world and share Christ. 00:15:28.639 --> 00:15:29.879 I'm not quite sure that's the way it works. 00:15:30.839 --> 00:15:32.419 And just, you know, Paul's just saying that. 00:15:32.839 --> 00:15:34.219 I served where I was. 00:15:34.279 --> 00:15:34.799 I'm serving here. 00:15:34.839 --> 00:15:35.959 My whole life is where I'm making. 00:15:35.960 --> 00:15:39.019 I'm trying to make the most of the time God's given me. 00:15:39.100 --> 00:15:40.280 How have I served, he says. 00:15:40.519 --> 00:15:44.080 I've served with humility, with tears, and with perseverance through trials. 00:15:44.180 --> 00:15:44.800 Have you seen that? 00:15:45.320 --> 00:15:46.120 Investment, guys. 00:15:46.680 --> 00:15:47.000 Investment. 00:15:47.879 --> 00:15:48.480 Not easy. 00:15:48.580 --> 00:15:49.120 Not easy. 00:15:49.480 --> 00:15:49.680 Right? 00:15:50.000 --> 00:15:50.400 Humility. 00:15:51.400 --> 00:15:51.879 Tears. 00:15:53.639 --> 00:15:55.379 Tears in ministry. 00:15:56.000 --> 00:15:57.220 Tears in living for Jesus. 00:15:57.460 --> 00:15:57.720 Fair? 00:15:58.420 --> 00:15:58.759 Fair. 00:15:59.060 --> 00:15:59.460 Tears. 00:16:00.080 --> 00:16:00.940 And perseverance. 00:16:01.360 --> 00:16:01.800 Perseverance. 00:16:01.879 --> 00:16:02.120 Why? 00:16:02.540 --> 00:16:02.940 Trials. 00:16:03.540 --> 00:16:03.960 It's tough. 00:16:04.960 --> 00:16:05.480 It's tough. 00:16:06.960 --> 00:16:08.500 Listen, he says, verse 20. 00:16:08.759 --> 00:16:10.060 I held nothing back. 00:16:10.139 --> 00:16:10.660 You see that? 00:16:11.060 --> 00:16:12.340 I held nothing back. 00:16:12.400 --> 00:16:12.840 Verse 20. 00:16:12.940 --> 00:16:15.920 It's like when the coach tells the players before the game. 00:16:15.960 --> 00:16:19.360 What does the coach tell the players before the game that he wants them to do with all 00:16:19.360 --> 00:16:20.620 the stuff that they brought to the game? 00:16:20.820 --> 00:16:22.820 I want you to leave it all, what? 00:16:23.120 --> 00:16:25.300 On the field. 00:16:26.400 --> 00:16:27.000 Couple athletes. 00:16:27.740 --> 00:16:28.920 I want you to leave it all. 00:16:29.019 --> 00:16:30.160 You understand what he's saying there? 00:16:30.160 --> 00:16:34.580 I don't want you to bring any energy back into the locker room when the game's over. 00:16:34.960 --> 00:16:35.660 That's the idea. 00:16:35.659 --> 00:16:36.480 Are you with me? 00:16:36.879 --> 00:16:39.279 This is the work of Christ, folks. 00:16:39.360 --> 00:16:40.000 This is the church. 00:16:40.079 --> 00:16:40.639 This is us. 00:16:41.279 --> 00:16:43.019 I want you to leave it all on the field. 00:16:43.639 --> 00:16:44.959 And this is the field, isn't it? 00:16:45.100 --> 00:16:46.000 This is our field. 00:16:46.120 --> 00:16:47.360 Your field's Brunsfield here. 00:16:47.459 --> 00:16:48.379 We're High Street. 00:16:48.659 --> 00:16:49.579 This is the field. 00:16:50.539 --> 00:16:51.799 Leave it all on the field. 00:16:52.759 --> 00:16:54.100 This is the Christian version here. 00:16:54.159 --> 00:16:57.339 It says in verse 22, I've got no idea what lies ahead of me. 00:16:57.559 --> 00:16:58.879 I can make the most of the time. 00:16:58.959 --> 00:16:59.399 You see that? 00:16:59.659 --> 00:17:01.799 Because I've got no idea what's coming down the road. 00:17:01.799 --> 00:17:05.059 Lord, you're here today. 00:17:05.180 --> 00:17:06.259 God's given you strength today. 00:17:06.379 --> 00:17:07.399 You've got opportunity today. 00:17:07.720 --> 00:17:08.460 Use it. 00:17:09.000 --> 00:17:10.159 Because you've got no idea. 00:17:10.480 --> 00:17:12.759 Like Paul, what's ahead of you? 00:17:13.019 --> 00:17:16.399 And so he says in verse 24, don't count your life as dear to yourself. 00:17:16.559 --> 00:17:18.259 Just finish the race. 00:17:18.259 --> 00:17:22.500 Just finish the race. 00:17:22.920 --> 00:17:25.160 Fulfill the ministry that God's given you. 00:17:28.599 --> 00:17:33.019 Testifying somehow, somewhere to someone of the gospel of the grace of God. 00:17:33.099 --> 00:17:33.819 Listen, I love that. 00:17:33.879 --> 00:17:34.220 Don't you? 00:17:34.319 --> 00:17:35.039 I love that. 00:17:36.259 --> 00:17:38.599 Paul says, let's make the most of the time while we have it. 00:17:38.640 --> 00:17:43.579 Verse 25, because we never know when we'll be saying, I'll see your face no more. 00:17:44.440 --> 00:17:44.879 Right? 00:17:45.299 --> 00:17:48.099 Don't know when you're going to be saying, I'll see your face no more. 00:17:49.259 --> 00:17:51.079 Some people don't get a chance to say it. 00:17:51.539 --> 00:17:51.920 That's it. 00:17:52.000 --> 00:17:53.180 And it's over like that. 00:17:53.279 --> 00:17:54.920 Some people do get a chance to say it. 00:17:54.940 --> 00:17:57.420 And they know that their days are numbered in this world. 00:17:57.480 --> 00:18:00.259 And they say, well, you know, it's a few more days and I'll not see your face. 00:18:00.299 --> 00:18:03.519 You don't know when that is going to come, but it's going to come. 00:18:03.879 --> 00:18:04.839 And we'll be saying that. 00:18:04.960 --> 00:18:05.819 Take every opportunity. 00:18:05.940 --> 00:18:10.420 Paul says in verse 26, I testify to you that I've got nobody's blood on my hands. 00:18:10.460 --> 00:18:11.460 Is that not quite a statement? 00:18:11.859 --> 00:18:15.759 And I think all Paul's saying there is that I've taken advantage of every opportunity. 00:18:15.759 --> 00:18:20.279 Nobody's blood for not hearing the gospel when I've been in their presence is on my hands. 00:18:20.539 --> 00:18:22.319 Is that not an astounding thought? 00:18:23.319 --> 00:18:24.900 Is that not an astounding thought? 00:18:25.619 --> 00:18:29.359 Nobody, I've got no, when I've been in the presence of somebody and it comes to the gospel, 00:18:29.579 --> 00:18:31.160 I got nobody's blood on my hands. 00:18:31.160 --> 00:18:35.560 Every opportunity, I can't say that. 00:18:35.620 --> 00:18:39.300 I wish I could because I clam up from time to time. 00:18:39.420 --> 00:18:40.040 Paul could say it. 00:18:40.100 --> 00:18:42.440 And boy, what a challenge that is for me this morning. 00:18:42.540 --> 00:18:43.140 It's a challenge for you. 00:18:43.700 --> 00:18:45.740 What an incredible challenge that is. 00:18:45.800 --> 00:18:48.660 I've taken every opportunity that I've had for Jesus. 00:18:48.779 --> 00:18:49.779 Wow, leave it all on the field. 00:18:49.900 --> 00:18:50.720 Okay, so redeem the time. 00:18:50.840 --> 00:18:52.980 Number two, raise your guard. 00:18:54.060 --> 00:18:54.820 Redeem the time. 00:18:55.100 --> 00:18:57.120 Number two, raise your guard. 00:18:57.240 --> 00:18:59.019 You see how Paul kicks it off here. 00:18:59.019 --> 00:19:04.220 Verse 28, therefore, based on what he's just said, take heed to yourselves. 00:19:04.680 --> 00:19:05.220 You get it? 00:19:05.519 --> 00:19:06.779 Take heed to yourselves. 00:19:07.099 --> 00:19:07.700 Be ready. 00:19:08.039 --> 00:19:08.779 Be prepared. 00:19:09.180 --> 00:19:10.839 Be on guard. 00:19:11.500 --> 00:19:12.240 Take heed to yourselves. 00:19:12.339 --> 00:19:18.839 And for these guys, the flock that they're shepherding, that has been purchased by Christ's own blood. 00:19:18.920 --> 00:19:21.259 You see how serious he is about that. 00:19:21.299 --> 00:19:23.660 But to be on guard, why are they to be on guard? 00:19:23.660 --> 00:19:24.300 Why are they to be on guard? 00:19:24.460 --> 00:19:28.560 He's going to talk about savage wolves coming into the church. 00:19:29.259 --> 00:19:32.220 And surprisingly, from places where they might not even expect it. 00:19:32.259 --> 00:19:33.380 But savage wolves. 00:19:33.779 --> 00:19:37.180 We've heard people say before, it's a jungle out there, haven't you? 00:19:37.900 --> 00:19:39.140 We've just thought about this. 00:19:39.180 --> 00:19:40.300 It's a jungle out there. 00:19:40.560 --> 00:19:41.740 So why be on your guards? 00:19:41.779 --> 00:19:45.560 Because, folks, every single day we wake up, we're in a battle. 00:19:46.620 --> 00:19:47.240 Aren't we? 00:19:47.600 --> 00:19:51.000 You're not going to wake up in this world before Jesus comes. 00:19:51.080 --> 00:19:51.540 Listen to me. 00:19:51.539 --> 00:19:52.940 You're not going to wake up. 00:19:53.000 --> 00:19:57.240 There's not going to be one day you're going to wake up in this world before Jesus comes 00:19:57.240 --> 00:20:00.279 when you're not going to have to fight some kind of a battle spiritually. 00:20:00.500 --> 00:20:00.720 Fair? 00:20:01.539 --> 00:20:02.639 You might be on holiday. 00:20:03.180 --> 00:20:07.940 You might go to the south of Spain and lay out on a lounge chair and have somebody bring you a drink, whatever. 00:20:08.220 --> 00:20:11.159 But the spiritual battle is raging all around you. 00:20:11.220 --> 00:20:12.180 Sorry to ruin your holiday. 00:20:15.599 --> 00:20:17.339 The spiritual battle is still. 00:20:17.440 --> 00:20:19.460 We have to remind ourselves this is true. 00:20:19.619 --> 00:20:20.119 This is true. 00:20:20.240 --> 00:20:21.519 Paul's reminding you of this. 00:20:22.139 --> 00:20:22.779 Be on guard. 00:20:22.899 --> 00:20:24.099 Take heed to yourselves. 00:20:24.240 --> 00:20:25.220 He says, watch out. 00:20:25.279 --> 00:20:25.899 You're in a battle. 00:20:26.059 --> 00:20:29.859 Savage wolves want to literally tear this thing apart. 00:20:30.059 --> 00:20:33.059 And so Paul says in verse 31, watch out. 00:20:33.240 --> 00:20:33.579 See it? 00:20:34.500 --> 00:20:35.259 Watch out. 00:20:35.559 --> 00:20:41.379 He says, remember that for three years, I never ceased to warn everyone night and day with tears. 00:20:41.379 --> 00:20:42.200 Warn about what? 00:20:42.259 --> 00:20:42.759 The battle. 00:20:44.720 --> 00:20:45.779 Be on your guard. 00:20:45.899 --> 00:20:46.720 Be on your guard. 00:20:46.859 --> 00:20:47.659 Be on your guard. 00:20:47.819 --> 00:20:48.619 Paul feels it. 00:20:48.680 --> 00:20:49.240 He feels it. 00:20:49.240 --> 00:20:50.200 It's like a boxer. 00:20:50.920 --> 00:20:51.440 Isn't it? 00:20:51.440 --> 00:20:57.120 It's like a boxer who the moment he lets his guard down gets hit. 00:20:57.180 --> 00:20:57.980 You see the guy there? 00:20:58.480 --> 00:20:59.000 You see him? 00:20:59.080 --> 00:20:59.559 Poor fella. 00:21:00.559 --> 00:21:01.019 That's the name. 00:21:01.580 --> 00:21:02.519 See where his hands are? 00:21:03.180 --> 00:21:04.279 See where the guy's hands are? 00:21:04.320 --> 00:21:04.880 Where's his hands? 00:21:04.940 --> 00:21:05.740 The guy that's getting hit. 00:21:05.779 --> 00:21:06.380 Where's his hands? 00:21:06.620 --> 00:21:07.120 They're down. 00:21:08.400 --> 00:21:08.840 They're down. 00:21:09.380 --> 00:21:10.220 The other guy's ready. 00:21:10.519 --> 00:21:11.259 His hands are up. 00:21:11.840 --> 00:21:12.380 It's like that. 00:21:12.440 --> 00:21:13.380 It's just like that. 00:21:13.779 --> 00:21:15.779 Soon as you let your guard down, you're going to get hit. 00:21:15.779 --> 00:21:18.599 This battle never ends in this life, folks. 00:21:18.859 --> 00:21:19.759 It never ends. 00:21:19.839 --> 00:21:20.420 Let me ask you a question. 00:21:20.480 --> 00:21:21.519 Does your sin ever go away? 00:21:23.700 --> 00:21:24.859 Does your sin ever go away? 00:21:25.220 --> 00:21:29.240 Do you ever stop getting badgered by your sin? 00:21:32.160 --> 00:21:32.559 Right? 00:21:32.660 --> 00:21:33.819 Does the enemy ever disappear? 00:21:34.220 --> 00:21:36.359 Does the lion ever stop prowling? 00:21:36.799 --> 00:21:38.660 Does your flesh ever stop pressing? 00:21:38.879 --> 00:21:39.160 Never. 00:21:39.339 --> 00:21:40.119 It never does. 00:21:40.180 --> 00:21:42.680 And the Bible never gives us an indication that it will. 00:21:42.680 --> 00:21:44.620 Because God wants us to be ready. 00:21:45.700 --> 00:21:48.340 So it's never going to, you know, you just need to know this. 00:21:48.420 --> 00:21:49.880 Every single day you're going to wake up. 00:21:50.000 --> 00:21:52.060 And you have to wake up in battle readiness. 00:21:55.060 --> 00:21:55.840 A few verses. 00:21:56.200 --> 00:21:57.180 Galatians 5.17. 00:21:57.299 --> 00:21:59.720 The flesh desires what is contrary to the spirit. 00:21:59.820 --> 00:22:01.660 The spirit what is contrary to the flesh. 00:22:01.820 --> 00:22:04.820 And they are in conflict with each other constantly. 00:22:05.539 --> 00:22:06.500 James 4.1. 00:22:06.500 --> 00:22:11.340 What is the source of the wars and fights among you? 00:22:11.339 --> 00:22:15.679 They come from your passions that wage war within you. 00:22:15.759 --> 00:22:16.519 Listen, you get it? 00:22:17.299 --> 00:22:18.039 Ephesians 6. 00:22:18.139 --> 00:22:19.659 We don't wrestle against flesh and blood. 00:22:20.119 --> 00:22:24.339 We don't wrestle against F-16s and howitzers. 00:22:25.240 --> 00:22:28.759 We don't wrestle against that little petty stuff. 00:22:29.740 --> 00:22:33.059 We don't wrestle against nuclear weapons, that little stuff. 00:22:35.199 --> 00:22:36.179 You get it? 00:22:37.039 --> 00:22:40.679 Yeah, we're all, of course, I'm not saying don't be concerned about nuclear weapons. 00:22:40.680 --> 00:22:41.960 So you understand what I'm saying. 00:22:43.320 --> 00:22:48.700 And yet we just think, oh, my goodness, nuclear warfare, third world war, global destruction. 00:22:48.960 --> 00:22:52.200 And the Lord is just saying that your eyes are in the wrong place. 00:22:53.000 --> 00:22:54.320 You're thinking just physically. 00:22:54.660 --> 00:22:55.519 Don't do that. 00:22:56.759 --> 00:22:58.080 It's far bigger than that. 00:22:58.180 --> 00:22:59.100 Far bigger than that. 00:23:00.060 --> 00:23:02.380 Don't worry about the person who can just kill the body. 00:23:02.480 --> 00:23:03.500 Remember Jesus said that? 00:23:03.720 --> 00:23:05.539 Don't worry about the guy who can just kill the body. 00:23:05.539 --> 00:23:09.559 Be concerned about the one who can destroy both body and soul in hell. 00:23:09.879 --> 00:23:10.920 That's the deal. 00:23:12.319 --> 00:23:13.119 That's the deal. 00:23:13.240 --> 00:23:18.940 And it's still wrestling against flesh and blood and principalities, powers, world forces of darkness in heavenly places. 00:23:19.000 --> 00:23:19.680 Are you kidding me? 00:23:21.180 --> 00:23:22.599 And I'm going to let my guard down? 00:23:22.700 --> 00:23:23.319 I can't. 00:23:23.359 --> 00:23:24.000 I can't. 00:23:24.059 --> 00:23:24.759 I'll get nailed. 00:23:24.759 --> 00:23:32.200 And sometimes, like poor Paul warns these Ephesian elders, the punch is going to come right out of left field where we least expect it. 00:23:32.299 --> 00:23:33.200 OK, so redeem the time. 00:23:33.339 --> 00:23:33.900 Raise your guard. 00:23:34.000 --> 00:23:36.839 Number three, in the midst of all that, thinking about who? 00:23:36.920 --> 00:23:37.819 Because I'm feeling tired now. 00:23:37.839 --> 00:23:38.920 You feeling tired with all this? 00:23:39.480 --> 00:23:43.299 I'm feeling like, Lord, you know, you're going to help me? 00:23:43.660 --> 00:23:43.980 Yes. 00:23:44.460 --> 00:23:44.740 Yes. 00:23:44.799 --> 00:23:46.980 Number three, rest on grace. 00:23:47.059 --> 00:23:47.460 Isn't that good? 00:23:47.500 --> 00:23:49.279 We just sang an amazing grace that what? 00:23:49.740 --> 00:23:50.700 Save the wretch like me. 00:23:50.759 --> 00:23:51.299 So there you go. 00:23:51.379 --> 00:23:51.799 There you go. 00:23:51.839 --> 00:23:52.240 It's there. 00:23:52.240 --> 00:23:52.680 It's there. 00:23:52.799 --> 00:23:54.200 And it's just tucked in here. 00:23:54.539 --> 00:23:55.279 It's tucked in here. 00:23:55.319 --> 00:23:55.920 Verse 32. 00:23:56.200 --> 00:23:57.059 Great verse. 00:23:58.480 --> 00:24:02.720 So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of his grace. 00:24:02.880 --> 00:24:03.440 You see that? 00:24:03.940 --> 00:24:06.599 I mean, because he's laid a heavy one on him here, hasn't he? 00:24:07.019 --> 00:24:09.200 I mean, he's really laid a heavy one on him. 00:24:09.720 --> 00:24:11.019 This is his last will. 00:24:11.160 --> 00:24:13.779 And this isn't just like kicking back having a lemonade, is it? 00:24:14.240 --> 00:24:16.559 That's not what he did the last time he was with these guys. 00:24:16.620 --> 00:24:17.960 He was never going to see their face again. 00:24:18.000 --> 00:24:18.620 And he never did. 00:24:20.460 --> 00:24:21.200 He never did. 00:24:21.200 --> 00:24:24.660 And so he just told him the brutal truth about life. 00:24:24.799 --> 00:24:29.240 And you're just thinking, oh, man, that just knocks the wind out of me. 00:24:29.319 --> 00:24:29.720 Probably. 00:24:30.440 --> 00:24:30.799 Good. 00:24:30.940 --> 00:24:31.299 Probably. 00:24:31.380 --> 00:24:31.920 You're getting it. 00:24:31.980 --> 00:24:33.960 If it knocks the wind out of you, you're getting it. 00:24:35.160 --> 00:24:36.220 But that's not where he leaves it. 00:24:36.259 --> 00:24:38.279 Because God's got to, you know, I'm just human. 00:24:38.400 --> 00:24:39.120 I'm frail. 00:24:39.180 --> 00:24:39.700 I'm fragile. 00:24:40.840 --> 00:24:46.340 And so the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, give you the inheritance 00:24:46.340 --> 00:24:48.279 among all those who are sanctified. 00:24:48.400 --> 00:24:49.420 Listen, isn't that good? 00:24:49.420 --> 00:24:51.920 In the midst of the battle, God gives grace. 00:24:52.200 --> 00:24:52.580 Doesn't he? 00:24:52.700 --> 00:24:55.200 In the midst of the battle, God gives grace. 00:24:56.200 --> 00:25:00.060 Whether that be with my own sin or with the brokenness of the world or with an illness 00:25:00.060 --> 00:25:04.360 or a spiritual attack or a loss or a grief or whatever it is, God gives grace. 00:25:04.480 --> 00:25:05.360 He's promised that. 00:25:05.420 --> 00:25:07.420 And that grace is sufficient. 00:25:10.360 --> 00:25:10.680 Sufficient. 00:25:10.680 --> 00:25:12.380 Here's the way I would put it. 00:25:12.480 --> 00:25:14.100 Many others have put it this way as well. 00:25:14.539 --> 00:25:15.799 Grace is the way in. 00:25:17.120 --> 00:25:18.539 And grace is the way. 00:25:22.620 --> 00:25:23.660 Well, it could be out. 00:25:23.860 --> 00:25:24.180 On. 00:25:24.560 --> 00:25:25.080 That's all right. 00:25:25.279 --> 00:25:25.920 We're going to try that again. 00:25:26.000 --> 00:25:27.920 Grace is the way in. 00:25:28.019 --> 00:25:30.140 And grace is the way on. 00:25:30.380 --> 00:25:30.860 You see it? 00:25:31.400 --> 00:25:32.259 Grace is the way in. 00:25:32.340 --> 00:25:33.640 And grace is the way on. 00:25:33.640 --> 00:25:35.460 In other words, we're saved by grace. 00:25:35.600 --> 00:25:36.040 Ephesians. 00:25:37.980 --> 00:25:38.660 What is it? 00:25:38.700 --> 00:25:39.360 Ephesians 5. 00:25:39.640 --> 00:25:39.780 Right. 00:25:39.920 --> 00:25:40.680 Ephesians 5. 00:25:40.900 --> 00:25:41.220 Thank you. 00:25:41.380 --> 00:25:42.280 Ephesians 2.8. 00:25:42.460 --> 00:25:42.780 2.8. 00:25:42.880 --> 00:25:43.460 Thank you very much. 00:25:43.880 --> 00:25:44.420 Ephesians 2.8. 00:25:44.500 --> 00:25:45.980 We're saved by grace. 00:25:46.080 --> 00:25:46.800 Ephesians 2.8. 00:25:47.320 --> 00:25:52.080 And we're also sanctified by grace right here in Acts 20.32. 00:25:52.320 --> 00:25:53.300 Saved by grace. 00:25:54.160 --> 00:25:55.020 Sanctified by grace. 00:25:55.020 --> 00:25:59.740 And so we never outgrow our need for grace. 00:26:00.360 --> 00:26:01.240 We never outgrow our need. 00:26:01.380 --> 00:26:03.460 I love Jerry Bridges on this. 00:26:03.460 --> 00:26:06.600 He's written a lot of great stuff on the Christian life. 00:26:07.100 --> 00:26:14.120 Your worst days are never so bad that you're beyond the reach of God's grace. 00:26:15.259 --> 00:26:22.259 And your best days are never so good that you're beyond the need of God's grace. 00:26:22.340 --> 00:26:22.680 Isn't that good? 00:26:22.840 --> 00:26:23.299 You got it? 00:26:24.019 --> 00:26:24.519 You got it? 00:26:24.519 --> 00:26:27.559 The way in is the way and the way on. 00:26:27.660 --> 00:26:28.400 So redeem the time. 00:26:28.620 --> 00:26:29.180 Raise your guard. 00:26:29.360 --> 00:26:29.960 Rest on grace. 00:26:30.079 --> 00:26:30.620 Number four. 00:26:31.299 --> 00:26:32.480 Resource others. 00:26:34.079 --> 00:26:35.660 Resource others. 00:26:36.759 --> 00:26:36.940 Right? 00:26:38.220 --> 00:26:39.319 It's not... 00:26:39.319 --> 00:26:41.840 The Christian life is not an individual sport. 00:26:42.840 --> 00:26:43.440 Is it? 00:26:43.640 --> 00:26:45.460 It's not an individual sport. 00:26:45.539 --> 00:26:45.660 Right? 00:26:45.700 --> 00:26:46.319 It's a body. 00:26:47.100 --> 00:26:48.440 It's body life. 00:26:48.700 --> 00:26:49.319 It's community. 00:26:49.519 --> 00:26:50.019 Isn't it? 00:26:50.720 --> 00:26:51.200 Community. 00:26:52.100 --> 00:26:53.740 Of course we can worship on our own. 00:26:53.740 --> 00:26:56.880 And sometimes our own private worship is just so sweet. 00:26:56.900 --> 00:26:57.359 Isn't it? 00:26:57.700 --> 00:26:58.079 We can worship. 00:26:58.200 --> 00:26:59.839 But you can't only worship on your own. 00:27:00.700 --> 00:27:01.940 You can worship on your own. 00:27:02.400 --> 00:27:03.519 But don't stay there. 00:27:03.700 --> 00:27:03.980 Right? 00:27:04.640 --> 00:27:05.339 Don't stay there. 00:27:05.420 --> 00:27:07.480 You can't only worship on your own. 00:27:08.380 --> 00:27:09.180 Need each other. 00:27:09.319 --> 00:27:10.940 Need to resource others. 00:27:11.039 --> 00:27:11.640 This is so good. 00:27:11.700 --> 00:27:12.380 Verse 33. 00:27:12.799 --> 00:27:14.200 Paul just says, listen, you know me. 00:27:14.359 --> 00:27:16.120 I coveted no one's silver or gold. 00:27:16.240 --> 00:27:16.880 I didn't look for that. 00:27:16.920 --> 00:27:17.720 It's not what I was into. 00:27:18.660 --> 00:27:22.360 Yes, you yourself knows that these hands have provided for my necessities. 00:27:22.480 --> 00:27:24.380 He worked for those who were with me also. 00:27:24.860 --> 00:27:28.779 I've shown you in every way by laboring like this that you must support the weak. 00:27:29.200 --> 00:27:31.319 Remember the words of the Lord Jesus that he said, 00:27:32.460 --> 00:27:35.980 it is more blessed to give than to receive. 00:27:36.180 --> 00:27:37.039 Listen, isn't that shocking? 00:27:37.759 --> 00:27:38.600 Think about that for a minute. 00:27:38.660 --> 00:27:39.279 That's shocking. 00:27:39.660 --> 00:27:40.380 That's shocking. 00:27:40.380 --> 00:27:42.539 It's more blessed to give than to receive. 00:27:42.680 --> 00:27:43.079 Wait a minute. 00:27:43.519 --> 00:27:44.579 What are you talking about? 00:27:45.640 --> 00:27:47.000 What are you talking about? 00:27:47.000 --> 00:27:51.160 Our world constantly thinks it's more blessed to receive than to give, doesn't it? 00:27:51.859 --> 00:27:52.779 Because that's where we're at. 00:27:52.819 --> 00:27:53.980 We're out for all we can get. 00:27:55.279 --> 00:27:56.799 Because that's all there is. 00:27:57.160 --> 00:28:00.619 Eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow you, you die. 00:28:00.779 --> 00:28:02.420 Just so it's the opposite. 00:28:02.619 --> 00:28:04.660 The world is set up the opposite way. 00:28:05.539 --> 00:28:07.779 It's more blessed to receive than to give. 00:28:07.859 --> 00:28:08.119 No, no. 00:28:08.180 --> 00:28:09.019 Jesus says no, no. 00:28:09.119 --> 00:28:11.359 And when you do this, you know this is true, don't you? 00:28:11.859 --> 00:28:16.400 Because God confirms it to your heart that it's more blessed to give than to receive. 00:28:16.400 --> 00:28:16.980 Isn't it? 00:28:17.259 --> 00:28:18.900 Because you know that blessing. 00:28:19.040 --> 00:28:26.280 If you're a giver, if you're prone to hospitality, if you love giving what you have and you know 00:28:26.280 --> 00:28:32.280 that all that you have is not yours anyway, God's just giving you some tenancy over it 00:28:32.280 --> 00:28:34.920 for a little while, then you know this is true. 00:28:34.920 --> 00:28:44.660 How many testimonies have you heard where people just said, you know, I was in so many different contexts in my life, 00:28:44.800 --> 00:28:46.240 and then I came to this church. 00:28:47.600 --> 00:28:49.019 I came to this church. 00:28:49.759 --> 00:28:50.920 Never been to church before. 00:28:51.019 --> 00:28:54.580 I came to this church called Brunsfield Evangelical Church. 00:28:54.579 --> 00:28:58.619 And I just, it was just, it was like another world. 00:29:00.539 --> 00:29:03.419 I don't look like I'm convincing you. 00:29:04.259 --> 00:29:05.699 It was like another world, right? 00:29:05.779 --> 00:29:07.720 I mean, if you're going to say amen, say amen to that, right? 00:29:07.779 --> 00:29:08.480 You're here this morning. 00:29:08.639 --> 00:29:09.599 It was like another world. 00:29:10.759 --> 00:29:12.339 I was just, I just never met people like it. 00:29:12.919 --> 00:29:14.539 I've never met people like it in my life. 00:29:14.659 --> 00:29:16.919 Just, they just were so generous. 00:29:18.399 --> 00:29:19.659 Aren't you, Brunsfield? 00:29:19.660 --> 00:29:21.759 So generous. 00:29:23.140 --> 00:29:24.880 And so that, you're getting it. 00:29:24.960 --> 00:29:25.700 You're getting it. 00:29:25.860 --> 00:29:27.779 Let's just resource others. 00:29:28.019 --> 00:29:30.860 It's more blessed to give than to receive. 00:29:31.060 --> 00:29:32.820 It's the upside down kingdom of Christ. 00:29:32.920 --> 00:29:33.920 That's what it is. 00:29:34.019 --> 00:29:35.180 Proverbs 11, 24. 00:29:35.580 --> 00:29:38.880 One gives freely and yet grows all the richer. 00:29:39.880 --> 00:29:40.600 How does that work? 00:29:40.960 --> 00:29:43.420 I thought when you gave, you lost what you had. 00:29:43.640 --> 00:29:45.540 One gives freely yet grows all the richer. 00:29:45.660 --> 00:29:49.300 Another withholds what he should give, but only suffers one. 00:29:49.299 --> 00:29:50.279 It's just backwards. 00:29:51.319 --> 00:29:51.799 It's backwards. 00:29:51.919 --> 00:29:52.720 What a great verse that is. 00:29:52.779 --> 00:29:53.859 1 Timothy 6, 17. 00:29:54.180 --> 00:29:55.339 Be rich in good works. 00:29:55.440 --> 00:29:58.740 Be generous, ready to share, thus storing up treasure for yourselves 00:29:58.740 --> 00:30:00.319 and a good foundation for the future. 00:30:00.419 --> 00:30:01.440 2 Corinthians 9, 7. 00:30:01.519 --> 00:30:04.359 God loves a cheerful giver. 00:30:04.460 --> 00:30:05.759 Listen, leave it all on the field. 00:30:06.379 --> 00:30:07.440 Leave it all on the field. 00:30:08.940 --> 00:30:11.039 Because we're not taking any of it with us anyway. 00:30:11.240 --> 00:30:12.419 1 Timothy 6, 7. 00:30:12.500 --> 00:30:15.899 For we brought nothing into this world and certainly we carry nothing out. 00:30:15.980 --> 00:30:17.139 Listen, sobering thought. 00:30:18.399 --> 00:30:19.059 Sobering thought. 00:30:19.059 --> 00:30:19.839 Redeem the time. 00:30:20.099 --> 00:30:20.720 Raise the guard. 00:30:21.059 --> 00:30:21.839 Rest on grace. 00:30:22.039 --> 00:30:22.659 Resource others. 00:30:22.799 --> 00:30:25.139 And then finally here, last bit here, and I love this. 00:30:25.200 --> 00:30:31.159 I was chatting with somebody at a barbecue yesterday afternoon about this. 00:30:31.700 --> 00:30:32.799 Retain a good testimony. 00:30:33.039 --> 00:30:33.879 Retain a good testimony. 00:30:33.980 --> 00:30:35.480 And just look at the way how this ends. 00:30:36.419 --> 00:30:36.720 Look at it. 00:30:36.740 --> 00:30:38.000 Because I read this passage. 00:30:38.319 --> 00:30:41.679 You know, you get an email from somebody at Brunsfield. 00:30:41.779 --> 00:30:43.240 Could you come and preach on this passage? 00:30:44.140 --> 00:30:46.200 So I want to be faithful to what you're asking me to do. 00:30:46.259 --> 00:30:47.359 I want to preach on this passage. 00:30:48.099 --> 00:30:51.319 And then I get to this part of this passage at the end. 00:30:51.880 --> 00:30:53.480 And I'm thinking, do I just forget about it? 00:30:53.519 --> 00:30:55.440 Because it doesn't look like much is going on. 00:30:55.519 --> 00:30:59.420 It just looks like a, you know, they're all just falling apart at the seams emotionally. 00:30:59.420 --> 00:31:05.580 You know, so do I try to reenact that in front of you, you know, in some way? 00:31:05.720 --> 00:31:06.900 Or, you know, what are you going to do with this? 00:31:06.960 --> 00:31:10.860 And then the more I looked at this, the more I just thought this might even be the best part of the passage. 00:31:11.420 --> 00:31:13.600 It might actually be the best part of this last bit. 00:31:13.660 --> 00:31:15.080 Verses 36 to 38. 00:31:15.240 --> 00:31:16.320 The best part of the passage. 00:31:16.400 --> 00:31:17.160 You see what's going on? 00:31:17.180 --> 00:31:19.100 It's like it's a real tearjerker, isn't it? 00:31:19.500 --> 00:31:22.080 If it were a movie, this would be where the hankies come out. 00:31:22.079 --> 00:31:28.980 It's a real tearjerker that Paul has just become so beloved by these people. 00:31:29.119 --> 00:31:29.740 Think about this. 00:31:29.939 --> 00:31:35.399 He's become so beloved by these people that they can't even bear the thought of not seeing him again. 00:31:35.480 --> 00:31:35.939 Do you see that? 00:31:36.259 --> 00:31:38.299 They can't bear the thought of not seeing him again. 00:31:38.419 --> 00:31:41.480 And they're kneeling and they're praying and they're weeping and they're kissing. 00:31:41.799 --> 00:31:44.059 Listen, sounds like a Scottish church service, doesn't it? 00:31:48.199 --> 00:31:49.119 You'll get there, guys. 00:31:49.159 --> 00:31:49.740 You'll get there. 00:31:49.740 --> 00:31:52.480 But what a powerful picture, isn't it? 00:31:52.539 --> 00:32:00.180 What a powerful picture of a life that has been so invested in the gospel and in other people that this is how it ends. 00:32:03.319 --> 00:32:04.480 Such a powerful picture. 00:32:04.779 --> 00:32:05.599 This is how it ends. 00:32:05.660 --> 00:32:08.420 Listen, I would love to have this in my final departure. 00:32:08.519 --> 00:32:08.960 Wouldn't you? 00:32:09.500 --> 00:32:16.039 I'd love to have this rather than, you know, well, that's him gone. 00:32:16.839 --> 00:32:17.160 Right? 00:32:17.160 --> 00:32:25.140 I'd love to have this at my final departure rather than people just saying, you know, I wish he would just go. 00:32:26.440 --> 00:32:28.240 Have you ever seen that? 00:32:28.600 --> 00:32:30.140 Because it happens in church, folks. 00:32:30.140 --> 00:32:34.340 It happens in church. 00:32:36.480 --> 00:32:37.380 And I've seen it. 00:32:38.520 --> 00:32:39.259 I've seen it. 00:32:39.360 --> 00:32:39.980 I've heard it. 00:32:41.180 --> 00:32:43.280 And it happens at work, doesn't it? 00:32:43.320 --> 00:32:44.040 Where you work. 00:32:44.880 --> 00:32:48.220 If you're a boss or you have a boss. 00:32:49.560 --> 00:32:51.080 It happens in families. 00:32:51.660 --> 00:32:52.640 Sadly, doesn't it? 00:32:52.640 --> 00:32:53.920 I wish they would just go. 00:32:54.700 --> 00:32:55.540 Isn't that sad? 00:32:56.740 --> 00:32:57.600 Isn't that sad? 00:32:58.700 --> 00:33:01.480 That that's the reputation we have. 00:33:01.620 --> 00:33:07.580 We have such a rotten reputation with people that all they can say about us is that I just can't wait for them to go. 00:33:08.020 --> 00:33:09.300 I wish they would just go now. 00:33:09.380 --> 00:33:10.100 Have you ever heard that? 00:33:10.400 --> 00:33:10.980 Come on, guys. 00:33:11.020 --> 00:33:12.220 You're being too polite this morning. 00:33:12.660 --> 00:33:13.320 You've heard it. 00:33:13.759 --> 00:33:14.500 You've heard it. 00:33:14.759 --> 00:33:15.860 You may have even said it. 00:33:15.859 --> 00:33:19.059 Those words may have come out of your mouth. 00:33:19.919 --> 00:33:21.899 I wish they would just go. 00:33:24.339 --> 00:33:28.519 Rather than, what are we ever going to do without them? 00:33:30.459 --> 00:33:31.899 What are we ever going to do without them? 00:33:32.939 --> 00:33:34.439 How can we go on without them? 00:33:34.959 --> 00:33:35.819 You see, you're in it. 00:33:36.019 --> 00:33:37.379 Because that's what's going on here. 00:33:37.819 --> 00:33:40.000 This isn't just a little weepy ending. 00:33:40.539 --> 00:33:41.579 This is really powerful. 00:33:42.219 --> 00:33:42.859 Really powerful. 00:33:42.859 --> 00:33:46.500 And so Paul says, 2 Timothy 4, 7. 00:33:47.000 --> 00:33:48.539 Retain a good testimony to the end. 00:33:48.799 --> 00:33:49.639 2 Timothy 4, 7. 00:33:49.699 --> 00:33:50.759 I've fought the good fight. 00:33:51.000 --> 00:33:52.039 I've finished the race. 00:33:52.240 --> 00:33:53.379 I've kept the faith. 00:33:54.179 --> 00:33:59.279 Now there's in store for me crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award me on that day, 00:33:59.579 --> 00:34:04.259 not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearance. 00:34:04.359 --> 00:34:06.799 Listen, let's pray that that's the way it is with us when the end comes. 00:34:06.879 --> 00:34:07.039 Amen. 00:34:07.599 --> 00:34:09.719 Let's pray that that's the way it is with us. 00:34:09.719 --> 00:34:12.599 Just one final little illustration here. 00:34:12.599 --> 00:34:23.559 I don't know if you've ever read the combined or the two-volume version of Hudson Taylor's biography. 00:34:24.119 --> 00:34:24.900 Great book. 00:34:24.960 --> 00:34:26.039 If you've never read it, get it. 00:34:26.480 --> 00:34:28.319 I don't even know if it's being printed anymore. 00:34:28.440 --> 00:34:29.819 It's by his son, Howard Taylor. 00:34:30.000 --> 00:34:33.920 Great two-volume set, Hudson Taylor's biography. 00:34:33.920 --> 00:34:42.119 But then there's a combined, a condensed version, a collected works of J. Hudson Taylor by a guy named John P. Dorsey. 00:34:42.720 --> 00:34:45.559 And right in the introduction of that, here's what he says. 00:34:45.599 --> 00:34:46.420 I'll finish with this. 00:34:46.480 --> 00:34:47.159 Here's what he says. 00:34:47.159 --> 00:34:49.159 He says, 00:34:49.159 --> 00:35:01.960 The majority of folk, and shamefully, many of the lords as well, are an aimless, wandering lot. 00:35:03.639 --> 00:35:12.199 Drug through life by the ever-changing desires of their eyes, ears, and carnal hearts. 00:35:12.199 --> 00:35:20.139 For most, this continues on and on through the entire course of their time on earth. 00:35:20.139 --> 00:35:32.400 And then one day, those same eyes, ears, and hearts, which were dazzled, tickled, and strung on by the delights of this present world, fail and falter. 00:35:33.759 --> 00:35:41.379 And there, sitting head in hand, with feet dangling into eternity, 00:35:41.380 --> 00:35:47.340 A person with any wisdom whatsoever will inquire of themselves, 00:35:48.220 --> 00:35:50.300 Where have I been? 00:35:51.039 --> 00:35:52.240 And what have I done? 00:35:53.680 --> 00:35:56.900 And many, far too many, 00:35:58.000 --> 00:36:01.619 will only be able to shake their heads and wonder. 00:36:02.559 --> 00:36:04.200 They will wonder where days went, 00:36:05.099 --> 00:36:06.460 and where months went, 00:36:06.460 --> 00:36:11.940 And indeed, whole years that seem not only fruitless, 00:36:12.559 --> 00:36:14.000 but completely forgotten. 00:36:15.300 --> 00:36:18.420 Because their days lacked substance. 00:36:20.059 --> 00:36:23.240 They simply vanished as a vapor. 00:36:25.059 --> 00:36:27.480 And this, says Dorsey, 00:36:28.099 --> 00:36:29.940 is an unspeakable tragedy. 00:36:32.599 --> 00:36:34.639 Listen, may it rather be, 00:36:34.639 --> 00:36:38.039 may it rather be well done, 00:36:38.599 --> 00:36:39.679 my good and faithful servant. 00:36:39.859 --> 00:36:40.059 Amen. 00:36:41.099 --> 00:36:41.619 All right. 00:36:41.940 --> 00:36:42.559 Now let's pray. 00:36:43.980 --> 00:36:46.960 Father, we want to thank you this morning for just one another. 00:36:47.159 --> 00:36:49.480 Thank you for good Christian fellowship. 00:36:49.759 --> 00:36:53.920 Thank you for a gathering of believers 00:36:53.920 --> 00:36:58.039 to sing and pray and praise and encourage 00:36:58.039 --> 00:37:03.960 and exhort and learn and grow and be challenged. 00:37:03.960 --> 00:37:04.800 Thank you, Lord. 00:37:04.900 --> 00:37:06.400 Thank you for Jesus. 00:37:06.900 --> 00:37:08.119 Because without him, 00:37:08.880 --> 00:37:10.079 what would we have 00:37:10.079 --> 00:37:12.840 other than our own condemnation? 00:37:14.059 --> 00:37:15.000 And so thank you for Jesus 00:37:15.000 --> 00:37:16.679 and the great message of reconciliation 00:37:16.679 --> 00:37:17.780 that we now have 00:37:17.780 --> 00:37:19.780 to bring to our lost and dying world. 00:37:19.880 --> 00:37:21.500 Lord, help us to receive that message 00:37:21.500 --> 00:37:24.179 and to proclaim it fearlessly for your glory. 00:37:24.579 --> 00:37:24.800 Amen. 00:37:24.800 --> 00:37:24.900 Amen. 00:37:24.900 --> 00:37:24.980 Amen. 00:37:24.980 --> 00:37:25.000 Amen. 00:37:25.000 --> 00:37:25.019 Amen. 00:37:25.019 --> 00:37:25.079 Amen. 00:37:25.079 --> 00:37:25.099 Amen.